“The people who are lifting the world onward and upward are those who encourage more than they criticize.” Elizabeth Harrison
I was recently in France (and no, I am not a world traveler) but while in Paris, the trip down the Seine on top of a double decker river boat was one of the highlights. And we did this the first thing when we arrive (read - no sleep, no shower, big-time jet lag) but I will never forget it. The views of the monuments from below are spectacular - Notre Dame, The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower,
The Museum D’Orsay.
But what struck me the most passing under each uniquely detailed bridge (sure, the architecture of the bridges is amazing),
but it was the people on the bridges that astonished me most.
They all waved and cheered as we passed under.
Now there are many, many of these boats cruising the Seine. And many, many bridges. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy and welcomed (might’ve been the cappuccino LOL).
So I thought about my winding journey to book publication and how having cheering and support for each little step has made all the difference for me this time around.
I embarked on this path ten years ago, but without the internet, living in a small, somewhat isolated town, and I gave up too soon.
But this time, thanks to the internet and writers associations like RWA, SCBWI, Savvy Authors and others, I have found ongoing support, encouragement and cheerleaders with writer’s loops, workshops, workshop teachers and their loops, critique groups and writing friends that I have found through the above.
So if you have less than supportive people around you on this sometimes lonely journey, go out and find yourself some cheerleaders. They are out there.
And remember giving support feels just as good as getting support.
Feel free to comment on who, and what builds you up, cheers you on or anything else.
I agree. A cheering section always makes one feel better.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures.
Even other people's good news makes me feel good, like there is hope. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteWonderful post! Yes, the pictures are lovely, but I especially appreciated the mental picture that played in my mind as I read your words. In this day of Skype and all, I can just imagine a time when we can link up a huge circle of writers together via the Internet, and have the picture rotate to each like digital pictures, to create our own virtual office and cheer squad to wave and keep us on track as we all write.
ReplyDeleteJoanie
i love this idea Joanie! I'll join you and thanks for stopping by.
DeleteCheerleaders. There's a reason they're out in front of the crowd. They get the adrenalin pumping! And adrenalin can make the difference between mediocre and awesome.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's funny how it works both ways. The more you cheer for others, the deeper the well of support!
Never thought about the adrenalin! So true. Thanks for stopping by Sandy.
DeleteIn this business you need cheerleaders. You're up one day and down the next. Thanks for such an inspirational blog and the pictures are so lovely. Hope you had a wonderful trip.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! I wrote the blog yesterday feeling up and today down because of a not-noticed (no request) in an online pitch. It's so nice to know there are others who understand. Thanks for stopping by Sylvia.
DeleteI read Jillian's interview but then saw this one and had to comment for two reasons. First, I got to visit Paris years ago with my hubby, and I agree those bridges are great. But we never took the trip down the river or heard that cheering.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I completely agree that we need to have cheering. I got some in Rachael Harrie's Platform Building Campaigns and other online efforts, but I felt a definite lack in my real life. That's why I was so happy when you all joined my critique group. I really appreciate your support. And being able to see you smile when you tell me news you think is bad makes it feel like good news to me. And it is, because your obvious investment and hard work in my behalf makes your every word valuable.
Weird, but by making the characterization and plot progression changes you suggested last time, I found Casey's weakness and Morgan's way to keep him in line. And by the time I read your line-outs, I had already eliminated all but two. You rock!
I completely agree Sheryl. I too have found having those in-person cheerleaders so important. I would like to hide behind my screen but I push myself do to the face-to-face meets but you're probably right seeing smiles, grins, even eye rolls and then hearing laughter makes it so worthwhile and that's on top of the great critiques we get from each other.
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